All posts tagged Fourth of July

Breaking your leg onstage mid-performance is no laughing matter, but for Dave Grohl, having a sense of humor always helps.

The Foo Fighters frontman broke his leg while on tour in Sweden last month, forcing the band to cancel a string of shows as a result. But they were not about to miss the 20th anniversary celebration of their debut album on July 4, so it just mean Grohl had to get a little creative.

The singer-guitarist was up for performing at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., Saturday night, but he just needed to make one minor adjustment: Since he had to remain stationary, Grohl did the show seated in a “Game of Thrones“-style chair of grandeur (pictures of the elaborate throne were subsequently posted to the band’s official Facebook page – see below). Read More »

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Because you may have to go back to work on the fifth, you may want to consider staying in on the Fourth of July. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss your chance at reflecting on American history, seeing fireworks, or watching Katy Perry perform. Independence Day is just the click of a remote away.

So what can you watch on TV today that can help you enjoy the celebrations from the comfort and safety of your all-American couch? Speakeasy has compiled a handy guide to the best Fourth of July TV specials.

Laird’s Apple Jack brandy has been produced in New Jersey since 1698. According to historical records, George Washington requested the Laird’s recipe in 1760; the Laird’s family also supplied apple jack to Washington’s Revolutionary troops.

Want to add some fireworks to your Fourth of July feast? Chef Jacques Pepin suggests a unique take on the grilling tradition: lamb burgers stuffed with feta, served with red wine. Watch Chef Pepin as he walks WSJ Speakeasy reporter Barbara Chai through his recipe, taken from his cookbook, “More Fast Food My Way,” at the French Culinary Institute. Read More »

In case you haven’t noticed, I am Canadian. Couldn’t you tell? I mean, for one thing I spend up to thirty percent of any day saying “sorry” for the things that you may have done to me. I should have realized that your busy schedule was much more important than mine when to you stole that taxi from right under my nose, and how dare my shoes get in the way of the lit cigarette butt that you casually discarded? Sorry. Who knew that vegan sandals were so flammable? I really feel like a fool.

For another thing, as a Canadian, I always carry a hip flask of maple syrup. I know, it would be cliché, except that I don’t put it on pancakes or anything, I just use it instead of Mace (see: above, when you lit my feet on fire). And of course I also always carry with me that barely perceptible whiff of condescension when discussing our superior Canadian health care system. Which is infinitely superior, if I may. Read More »

Happy Fourth of July, Speakeasy readers! In the chances you’re online and searching for Fourth of July-related stories and videos, we’ve pulled together a few patriotic-themed shorts for your viewing pleasure.

Two weeks ago, actress and singer Patti LuPone grabbed a cell phone out of the hand of an audience member who was texting during a performance of her current play, "Shows for Days." The bold move led to an outpouring of support from fans fed up with glowing screens. Ms. LuPone gives us her five rules of theater etiquette.